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10 of the Best Cars For Snow

Did this past winter make you feel like your vehicle might be, well, less than adequate? It might be time for an upgrade before the next snowfall comes around. The best cars for snow are those that are able to maximize traction no matter how icy or slippery road conditions might get, or how deep the precipitation might start to pile during the course of a wintry evening. The vehicles listed below represent strong alternatives to standard truck-based SUVs for those want a reliable all-wheel drive ride. Let's take a quick look at 10 of the best cars for snow.

10 of the Best Cars For Snow

1) 2016 Subaru WRX STi

That the 2016 Subaru WRX STI does exceptionally well when the white stuff falls shouldn't be a surprise to anyone, as this vehicle draws its heritage from decades of winter rally competition. The Subaru WRX STi's standard symmetrical all-wheel drive system comes with a driver-controllable center differential that can be used to dial in the torque being sent the front and rear wheels, allowing as much as a 50/50 split. The WRX STi is also a ton of fun to drive regardless of weather conditions thanks to its 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that puts out 305 horses and 290 lb-ft of twist. A six-speed manual is the only transmission available with this Subaru, and it offers features such as upgraded suspension tuning and Brembo brakes.

10 of the Best Cars For Snow

2) 2016 Audi A4

The 2016 Audi A4 is an upscale sedan that also offers the bonus of a race-bred all-wheel drive system as optional equipment. The compact Audi A4 provides entry-level luxury buyers with a 2.0-liter, turbocharged engine that produces 220 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Quattro all-wheel drive can be had with the car regardless of whether the vehicle is ordered with a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission.

10 of the Best Cars For Snow

3) 2016 Acura TLX

The 2016 Acura TLX was designed to replace two discontinued models, so it's no surprise that the TLX is a true people-pleaser. The base trim is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, paired to an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, good for 206 horsepower. Stepping up to the 3.5-liter V-6 yields 290 horsepower, put to the ground by a nine-speed automatic transmission. Either option can be ordered with Acura’s all-wheel drive system, which they call Super Handling All-Wheel Drive. What makes it super? It features torque-vectoring control to make each turn as precise as possible.

10 of the Best Cars For Snow

4) 2016 Cadillac CTS

The 2016 Cadillac CTS isn't just an upscale people mover, it's also an all-weather champion thanks to the ability to order the vehicle with all-wheel drive. The option is available with two of the car’s engines: the 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder (268 horsepower, 295 lb-ft of torque) and the 3.6-liter V-6 (335 horsepower, 285 lb-ft of torque). The 3.6-liter twin-turbo option is configured in rear-wheel drive only, though. An eight-speed automatic transmission is responsible for handling the gear shifting duties, and it's also possible to upgrade the suspension system in order to give it a more playful nature when pushed hard.

10 of the Best Cars For Snow

5) 2016 Toyota Sienna

The 2016 Toyota Sienna certainly stands out from the other vehicles on this list of the best cars for snow, but there's a good reason for including this particular model, as it is the only minivan currently on the market that can be had with all-wheel drive. Eight-passenger seating and the ability to haul up to 150 cubic feet of cargo with the rear rows folded make the Toyota Sienna the perfect sleigh for anyone who doesn't want to drive an SUV but who needs to be able to transport the occasional hockey team or stack of snowboards. The 2016 Sienna is powered by a 266-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine. Also capable of generating 245 lb-ft of torque, this mill is shifted via a six-speed automatic transmission.

10 of the Best Cars For Snow

6) 2016 Infiniti Q50

The 2016 Infiniti Q50 sedan continues the trend of midsize luxury cars that can be had in an all-wheel drive edition, making it a perfect winter weather chariot. The base Infiniti Q50 comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 208 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Otherwise, upgrade to the brand's twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 engine, good for a healthy 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, and it comes mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission that allows for the driver to intervene in the gear selection process via steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Additional performance goodies are also available with the Q50 in order to help enhance its already responsive chassis.

10 of the Best Cars For Snow

7) 2016 Lincoln MKS

The 2016 Lincoln MKS continues to provide luxury buyers with a viable full-size winter option by offering available all-wheel drive across the board. Stepping into the Lincoln MKS AWD trim means benefiting from a 305-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6 that also generates 280 lb-ft of torque. Moving up to the MKS EcoBoost installs a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 that is good for 365 ponies and 350 lb-ft of torque (with standard all-wheel drive). A six-speed automatic transmission comes with both models of the big sedan, and fuel mileage is almost identical for the two drivetrains despite the additional power offered by the EcoBoost six-cylinder.

10 of the Best Cars For Snow

8) 2016 Volvo S60

For the 2016 model year, the Volvo S60 AWD offers plenty of options, including a diverse lineup of powerful engines and a sophisticated, comfortable cabin. Though the S60’s entry-level models are front-wheel drive, Volvo’s all-wheel drive system is one of the brand’s biggest strengths and well worth the upcharge. The S60 AWD can be configured with a turbo five-cylinder or six-cylinder engine, both of which come paired to a six-speed automatic transmission that helps return solid fuel economy.

10 of the Best Cars For Snow

9) 2016 Dodge Charger

The 2016 Dodge Charger is a bit of an outlier on our list of the best cars in the snow. The Dodge Charger is better known for its aggressive full-size sedan styling and its available Hemi engine than its foul weather prowess, but with all-wheel drive available as an option with the 3.6-liter V-6 (292 horses, 260 lb-ft of torque) and the 5.7-liter V-8 (370 ponies, 395 lb-ft of twist) it's no slouch during the winter months. An eight-speed automatic transmission is available with all versions of the 2016 Charger.

10 of the Best Cars For Snow

10) 2016 Subaru Forester

A Subaru kicked off this list, and it only seems natural that in a discussion about the best cars for snow, a Subaru should end it, too. The 2016 Subaru Forester is favored amongst northern dwellers thanks to its tall-roofed, wagon-like approach to the crossover equation, as well as its standard all-wheel drive system. Two different flavors of Subaru Forester are available. The base 2.5-liter, four-cylinder model can be counted on for 170 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque, while the XT editions features a turbocharged 2.0-liter that churns out 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Base Foresters can be had with either a six-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission, while the XT is CVT only.